Electric meter service appliance



May 6, 1930. J, SACHS 1,757,743

ELECTRIC METER SERVICE APPLIANCE Filed sept.- 2o, 1927 s sheets-sheet 1'Rw W 4 44 tarn/ y May e, 1930. J, SACHS 'i 1,757,743

ELECTRIC METER SERVICE APPLIANCE Filed sept. 20, 1927 3 sheets-Sheet 2'j-277 a I a' 25a 43 25 MA' 65m 72 3 o gao? 31 36* /0 /5 44 O @D Il /4I;

4 2W L EN 3 5 l l i @a -fe g i May 6, 1930.l J. `simi-ls ELECTRIC METERSERVICE APPLIANCE Filed Sept. 20, 1927 A3 Sheets-Sheet 3 y Patented. May6, 1930 PATENT oEFIcE JOS-EPH SACHS, F WES'I HARTFORD, CONNECTICUTELECTRIC METER. SERVICE APPLLANCE Application led September 20, 1927.Serial No. 220,807.

The invention relates particularly to an electric meter serviceappliance which as concernsits electrical connections is similar to theconstruction disclosed in my copending application for Electric meterservice appliances, Serial No. 188,793-, filed May 4,

1927, and which as concerns its mechanical features is similar to theconstructions disclosed in my patents for Electric circuit controllingappliances No. 1,754,443 and No. 1,754,445, both issued April 15, 1930,and in my copending application for Electric circuit controllingappliances, Serial No. 218,279, filed Sept. 8, 1927.

AnA electric meter service appliance of the type to which the inventionrelates is adapted to be used not only for normal service purposes but.also for facilitating the testing of the meter. When the meter is'to betested the normal circuit from the service wires through the1 meter tothe customers load wires must be interrupted and in order that thecustomer may not be deprived of service during vtesting it is Acustomaryto provide by-pass connections from the service wires to the load wires.In my aforesaid applications Serial No. 188,793 and Serial No. 218,279 Ihave disclosed test contactsor at- -tachment devices connected toorassociatedl by-pass jumpers for the purpose of maintaining thecustomers service during' testing.

One ofthe general objects of the present invention is to provide by-passattachment devices of improved form and mountedin an improved manner,these devices preferably beingmounted directly on the switch contactstructures and being adapted for rigidly holding or clamping inflexiblelinks which serve as the required by-pass connections.

A meter service appliance of the type disclosed in the last saidapplications is so constructed and connected that the normal circuit isbroken both before the meter and after the meter, the meter coilterminals being thus leftelectrically free so that testing can beeffected in any usual or desired. way. For

some methods of testing, however, it is necessary'to, maintain aconnection between the shown an embodiment ofthe inventionwhich servicevwires and the meter,- alrium objects of the present invention is topro-A -vide improved means for electrically connecting the meter withthe service wires when the normal connections of the meter with the saidwires have been interrupted by the operation of the switch mechanism.

A meter service appliance of the type to which the present inventionrelates includes a base carrying the fuse contacts and it 4also coincludes a wire terminal'which is electrically connected with one of thefuse contacts on the base independently of the switch parts. The basecarrying the fuse contacts may be and preferably is mounted so as to beconveniently removable from the switch parts toprovide access to thelatterand to permit removal of the movable switching member. It may alsobe desirable to construct the base so that it may be bodily reversed tochange the sequence of electrical connections as set forth in myaforesaid copendingapplication Serial No. 218,27 9. vOne of the objectsof the present linvention is to provide aA construction of this typehaving the fuse connected wire terminal mounted entirely independentlyof the base and having means .whereby an electrical connection with thesaid terminal may be conveniently established when the base is in anormal position. In this way I facilitate reversal or removal of thebase, avoiding any interference with such removal or reversal `such asmight occur with the-fuse connected wire terminal carried by the baseand connected with'a wire.- e Further objects of the .invention will beapparent from the following specificationA and claims.

In the 'i accompanyingl drawings I have toV Fig. 1 but with the fusecarrying base re- ,15 moved.

Fig. 8 is a vertical sectional view ltaken along the line 8-8 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary front view similar to Fig. 7 but showing theswitch members i' 20 in their off positions and also showing in placecertain links used for meter testing. FFig. 10 is a side view o-f theparts shown in Fig. 11 is a fragmentary front view similar 2'5/ to Fig.1 but showingthe fuse carrying base in v'reversed position, and alsoshowing an all- "ternate construction for the testing and bypassdevices. f y Fig. 12 is a sideview of the parts shown in e Fig. 11.

Fig. 13`is a viewlsimilar to Fig. 1 but on a larger scale and showing analternate embodiment of the invention.

- Fig. 14 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 14-14 ofFig. 13.

Fig. 15 1s a fragmentary view similar to Fig. 13 but with the fusecarrying base removed, this'view also showing inplace a conn'ecting linkused for testing.

An appliance sembodying the invention preferably includes a fusedswitchunit and a casing or cabinetfor enclosing the said unit. In Figs.1 to 12 of the drawings I have shown a fused switch unit having threepoles and adapted for use with a polyphase circuit, and in Figs. 13 to15 I have shown a fused switch having two poles and adapted for use witha sin le-phase three wire circuit. It will be f unv erstood that theparts constituting the fuses and switch devices at the respective sidesof the unit, whether a three pole unit or a two pole unit, are or may besimilar in construction exce t for reversal of positions.

- For the sake of) brevity I will confine `the description so far aspossible to the parts at one side. c

As illustrated in Figs. 1 to 12 the fused switch unit of the applianceincludes an insulating base 1 mounted in fixed spaced relationship witha rear supporting wall which may be the rear wall of the enclosingcabinet. Preferably the fused switch unit also includes a secondinsulating means which serves as a supporting device and is secureddirectly to the said supporting wall. This msulat- Eso ing means maycomprise two separate bars or members`2, 2 spaced apart and secured tothe rear wall of the cabinet vby suitable means such as screws 3, 3. Ifnecessary a sheet 4 of insulating material may be interposed between themembers 2, 2 and the supporting wall. The several conducting parts ofthe lfused switch um't are connected with the relationship to the fusecontacts and preferably at least in part in the space behind the planeof the rear face of the base 1 are two switching devices which Vmay bevariously.

constructed as concerns certain of the broader phases of the inventionVPreferably, however, each of these switch devices comprises two opposedstationary switch contacts and a rectilinearly movable switching meanswhich includes acontact adapted to engage or disengage both ofthestationary contacts to make or breakthe electrical connections betweenthem. The preferred construction as shown is similar to theconstructions disclosed in mysaid patents.

The opposed statlonary contacts for one switch device are represented at7 and 8 and the stationary switch contacts for the other i switch deviceare indicated at 9 and 10. The

several stationary. switch contacts 'arev parts.

of contact structures which'al'so include supporting elements 11, 12, 13and 14 which project forward from the supporting devices 2,

2 and which may be secured thereto by screws.

15, 15. Each of the switch contacts proper, 7, 8, 9 and 10, is'preferably of a general U-shape and is provided with a laterally ex-vtending fiange engaging the corresponding supporting element. Screws, orrivets 16, 16 extend through the flanges and into the sup-` portingelements to hold the contacts in Thus the screw 17 serves to establishan electrical connection between the said fuse contact and thesupporting element 11 which in turn is electrically connected with theswitch contact 7 as already described, and at the.

same time the screw 17 serves to hold the fuse contact 5 in place on thebase. In addition the said screw and the supporting element 11 serve asone of the means for holding the base iso in normally fixed relationshipwith the supporting device 2, 2.

The remammgfuse contact 6 is held in place on the base 1 by a screw 18which also retains a conducting member 19 engaging the said contact.,The said member 19 extends "aforesaid Patent No. 1,754,443.

from the fuse contact to a point adjacent or beyond one edge of thebase. Preferably the 'said member 19 is in the form ofa strap whichextends downward and laterally from the.

fuse contact terminating near one side of the base.

For making and breaking electrical connection between the stationaryswitch contacts of the two pairs there are-provided two rectilinearlymovable switch contacts which are preferably carried by a single flatinsu' lating element as described in detail in my A The two movableswitch contacts are shown at 20 and 21 respectively and the flatinsulating element is shown at 22, the said insulating ele'- ment withthe movable switch contacts thereon constitutin switching mem er isguideddat the front by the base 1 and at the rear by the supportingvdevice 2, 2. It will be understood that when the switching member ismoved the two contacts 20 and 21 are movedto simultaneously \engage anddisengage the respective pairs of switch contacts 7 and 8, and 9 and 10and thus make and break the electrical connection through the switchingdevices. It will be further understood that to break the circuit theswitchingmembers are moved in the upward direction from the positionsshown -in Fi s. 1 to 8 to the positions shown in Figs. 9 an 10.A

i Connected respectively `with the supporting element 12, with the endof the strap 19 and with the supporting elements 13 and 14 are wireconnecting terminals 23, 24, 25 and necessary. The fuse-contacts aredesignated -by 5a and 6a, and the wire terminals corresponding to theterminals 23, 24, 25 and 26 are designated respectively by 23a, 24, '25and 26a. Other ly.marked.

For a three pole unit as illustrated a. third central pair of fusecontacts 27 and 28 is provided on the base -1. A third set of switchparts is also providedv similar to those'already described. The switchcontacts are shown at 29, 30, 31 and 32 and the supporting a switchingmember. The

parts at-the left are similarelements therefor are shown at 33, 34, 35and 36, the said supporting elements being secured to the insulatingsupporting devices in the same manner as the other supporting elementsalready described. The supporting elements 33 and 36 are provided withbrackets 33 and 36 which engage the base 1. The

third movable switching member comprises contacts 37. and 38 and' aninsulating element 39. y y

The fuse contacts 27 and 28 1are mechanically connected ltothe basel 1and electrically connected with the' brackets 33 and 36 on thesupporting elements 33 and 36 respectively by means of screws 40 and 41.It will 'be observed that these screws assist in holding the base 1 inits normal fixed relationship with the supporting device 2, 2. Thesupporting elements 34 and 35 are provided're-- spectively with wireterminals 42 and 43.

Thus when the switching member is in the on position an 4electricalconnection is established between the terminals 42 and 43 and through afuse carried by the contacts.

27 and 28.

The fused switch device is preferably.

mounted in a suitable casing or cabinet such y as the cabinet 44 shownin the drawings.` The 'cabinet 44is shown as being provided with apivoted front cover 45 which is hinged to one wall as for instance thebottom end wall, so as to be openable to permit access to the switch andfuse parts. closed position by means of a. latch 46 and if desired aseal may be inserted through the latch in the usual way to delinitelyprevent the opening of the cabinet except by breaking the seal. Suitableprovision is made for the protective association of the cabinet with anelectric meter. For a polyphase meter such as indicated diagrammaticallat M, there may be provided an adapter connected or adapted to beconnected with the upper end wall 47 of the cabinet. The said end wallhas an opening therein for receiving .the wires extending. between themeter and the appli,

ance in the cabinet. Thus the cabinet serves in conjunction with theadapter as a meansv not only for protectively enclosing the switch andfuse parts but for also protectively enclosing the connections betweenthe switch and fuse parts and thelmeter. The end wall and adapterconstruction is not shown in detail as it does not of itself constitutea part ofthe present invention.

I provide a suitable means for operating the three switching members,this means being accessible at all times even though the switchl devicesare enclosed as preferred and as de` The cover may be locked in 2scribed. I haveshown vthis operating means as comprising a. spindle 48which extends through bearing apertures in the side walls of the cabinetandwhich isl provided with an i operating handle 49 -on the exterior ofthe cabinet.` Withinthe-tcabinet the operating spindle 48 is providedwith a cranked portion which extends through a slot 50 formed in Anappliance embodying the ,invention is particularly adapted,whenassociated with a meter as shown, toprovidevan electrical sequence ofservice wire-switch-meter-#fuse'f l structed bythe handle.49 so that the,cover .-switch--load wire o'r an electrical sequence of servicewire-switch-fuse-meterswitchload wire, all as fully described in,

' my said copending application Serial No.

188,793. In Fig. 1 I have designated by dot- 7 and-dash lines onearrangement of `Wiring connections' which may be provided. The threeservice-wires des1gnated S-are connected respectivelywith the terminals`v23, 42 and 23a. One coilof `the meter is', connected be# tween theterminals 24 and 25 and the other Y' 25.v

coil of the meter is connected between the' terminals 24a and 25a and athird connection `to the meter is made from the terminal 43.-. The loadwires L are connected respectively with the terminalsf26, 43 and 26a.Itwill be observed that with this arrangement of connections I provideanelectricalsequence of;- service wire-switch-fuse---rneterf-switch loadwire. By making otherconnections` as will presently appear I mayprovideani electrical sequence of service wire-switche meter-fuse-switch-loadwire. With the switching members in tlieir"on positions as shown inFigs. 1 to 8 the meter is connectedin sided recess therein throughvwhich the afore`^ load wires.

the circuit as above described. When the switching members are moved -totheir olf positions as shown in Figs. 9 and 10 the circuit is broken atboth sides of the meter which is thus disconnected from both service andThe cover 45 of the cabinet is preferably provided with an openingthrough which the fuse contacts and the fuses are accessible when thecover-is closed, the cover neverthe-.J

less keeping the switching devices and other parts inaccessible. Theopening in the cover is shown at 51, the base 1 being so formed andpositioned as to substantially closethe opening when the cover isclosed. As shown the base 1 has a barrierat the front which entirelysurrounds the fuse contacts and the fuses and which extends forward toclose the said opening 51. This barrier has an opensaid strap 19extends. As a result of the construction as described it issubstantially impossible for lall ractical purposes to obtain i) thelive conducting parts and the fuses, after the cover has been closed andsealed.

Preferably an auxiliary cover is provided normally closing the opening51 in the cover 45 and protecting the fuses. With the fuses connectedahead of the meter as illustrated cannot beopened to expose the fuses solong as Ithe handlef49 remains in the switch closing'position.`vHowever, when the handle is moved downward* so as to move the severalswitching members 'upward to open the cir' cuitfthe coveris thenjfreetovbe moved laterallyftoward the rightto' permit access to the fusecontacts and the fuses; butrwith the i cover 4thusmoved laterally it isimpossible to move the handle 49 upward, to close the circuit. :'"tTheinterlocked cover and handle .construction as disclosed does not ofitself constitute, any part yof the present invention,

Abeing set forth in vmy patents for Enclosed fusedswitches, No.;11,721,493, No. 1,721,494

andzo. ,1,721,495,1allissued July 16,1929. accordance with the presentiinvention I `provide'imgrrirovedby-pass means for directly 'connectingthe respective service wires Awith the corresponding load wires'independently of the switchcontacts and independently of the meter. Tothis -end the respective service and load terminals at the two sides ofthe ap liance are preferably so arranged as to be substantially invertical alignment with each other, that is, the terminal 23 is inalignment. with the terminal 26 and the terminal 23l is in alignmentwith the terminal 26a. I further provide in asso- 'ciation with the saidservice and load terminals devices or contacts adapted for theconvenient attachment or holding of by-pass links. As shown the contactsor holding devices are such as to permit the attachment or completeremoval of the links, but as to this detail I do not necessarily limitmyself.

Referring particularly to the construction atthe right hand sidel itwill be observed that the two switch contact structures whichrespectively include ,the supporting elements 12 and 14 are providedrespectivelyswith forward extensions 55 and 56. These 'extene sionsterminate in flanges 57 4and 58 which extend. respectively upward anddownward toward each other and in alignment with eachother. Theseflanges 57 and 58 are provided with 'means adapted for the clampingthereto of a conducting by-pass link and as shown these clamping meansconsist of cap screws 59 and 60 threaded into the respectlve flanges.

In Figs. 9 and 10 I have shown the switching members in their offpositions and I have lshown two links B and C secured returned to firmlyclamp the link in place.

' Each of the links preferably has a handle b of insulating material bymeans of which it maybe conveniently put in place or removed. It will beseen that. with the links B and C in p lace the service terminals 23 and23a are directly connected respectivelygwith the load terminals 26 and26a.

Preferably the two extensions 55 and 56 Vare mechanically connectedtogether by an insulating means such as a strut 61. As clearly shown inFigs. 4 and 10 the said extensions 55 and 56 are provided with offsetportions with which the strut 61 engages, the said strut being held inplace by means of screws 62, 62. The struts 61 serve to-reinforce theextensions on the supporting elements and have other functions as willpresently apear. i P When a third set of fuse and switch parts isprovided as illustrated and described I prolvide in accordance with theinvention means for also by-passing the switch parts of this third legvof the circuit. To this end I provide two pairs of contacts or linkholding devices connected respectively with switch contacts. As shownthe contacts or holding devices are such as to permit the attachment orcomplete removal of the links, but as to this detail I do notnecessarily limit myself. As clearly shown in Figs. 7 and 8 the twosupporting elements 33 and 34 are provided respectively with downwardextensions 63 and 64 and the two supporting elements 35 and 36areprovided with upward extensions 65' and 66. The extensions. 63 and 64;are provided with screws 67 and 68 similar tothe screws 59 and 60 andsimilarly adapted to Aen-v gage ahy-pass link D Ias shown in Figs. 9 and10. Similarly the extensions and 66 are provided with screws 69 and 7 0adapted to receive a hyp-pass link E. f

It will be vobserved that with all four of the by-pass links B, C, D andE in place as shown in Figs. 9 and 10 the movable switching members maybe moved to the olf osition to open the normal circuit without, owever,interfering with the supply of current to the load wires. With theswitch members in their olf positions the circuit is broken l at bothsides of the meter and the terminals of the meter coils are entirelfreed from both the service and the l wires. The

meter is then readyfor testing in any usual o'r preferred way. When theseveral links are completely detachable as shown the links D and E arepreferably of the same dimensions as the links B and C so that all ofthe links may be used interchangeably.

Inorder to facilitate the connectidn of instrument leads for the testingof the meter I provide suitable test contacts. The test contacts may bevariously constructed but as illustrated in Figs. 1 to -10 I use 'forthis purpose certain of the aforesaid screws 15 which hold thelswitchcontact supporting elements in place. Screws connected respectively withthe contacts 7 7 and 9, 9"L are made longer than would otherwise benecessary andp they are provided respectively with -additional nuts 71,71a and 72, 72. These nuts l' serve for clamping the terminals oftesting instrument leads which may thus be electrically connected withthe respective meter terminals. It will be observed that the ar-Wrangement is such that the fuses are in the meter'testing circuit.

For some methods of meter testing it is necessary to have the metercoils in electrical connection with the service wires but out ofelectrical connection with the load wires. In

wires and the meter. To this end I provide means associated respectivelywith the switch contacts 7, 8' and 7*, 8a at the service side of 'themeter whereby the said contacts may be respectively by-passed whenI theswitching member is in its olf position. The V'said means comprisessuitable contacts or holding devices for by-pass links. As shown theholding devices are such as to permit the attachlos Vment or thecomplete removal of the links,

butv as to this detail I do not necessarily limit myself. As shown thecontacts or holdin devices include the aforesaid nuts 71, 71 an othersimilar nuts 73, 7 3l on screws connected ,with the service wireconnectible contacts 8 and 8. The screws carrying the said nuts 71, 71aand 73, 7 3* are a apted respectively to receive links G and H as shownin Figs. i9 and 10, the said links being clamped in place by the saidnuts. The contacts 7 and 7 are at alltimes in connection with therespective meter coils through the corresponding fuses, and thus whenthe links G-and H are 1n place the said meter coils are electricallyconnected respectively with' the terminals 23 and 23* and therefore withthecorresponding service wires. The links G and H are preferably of thesame dimensions as the links B, C, D, and E so that all of the links maybe used interchangeably. y

It will be observed that the links G and H ,can be put in lace only whenthe movable switching mem ers are in their olf positions and that afterthe links are in place they interfere with the switching members toprevent their movement to their on positions. Thus it is impossible forthe meter tester to inadvertently leave the by-pass links- G and H inplace at the conclusion of testing. ,f

Preferably the base 1 is so mounted in relation to the other parts thatit is bodily removable for the purpose of providing access to the switchparts and for the purpose of permitting removal of the switching membersas set forth in my said Patent No. 1,754,445. In order to remove thebasev the four screws 17, 17", 40 and 41 are disengaged fromthe'corresponding supporting elements 11,11", 33 and 36. Preferably inorder that the several screws and the corresponding fuse -contacts mayIremain connected with the base' when the base is detached from the otherparts each of the said screws is provided with a. washer 7 4 which fitsan annular groove therein. The-washer 74 is located in a recess 75 inthe base. The washer permits the screw to move forward far enough todisengage'the corresponding connecting elementbut never.-

thelessprevents the screw and corresponding fuse contact from beinremoved..l v.

It will beobserved t atj the strutsl;A serve as means independent of therear supporting wall for connecting the upper end .lowejr parts of th'eswitch mechanism whenthe'fsaid partsfj With the fuse connected after'themeter are not connected by the base 1.` The struts make it possible forthe manufacturer to assemble as a single unit the two supporting'devices 2, 2 with all ofthe contacts and terminals directly carriedthereby. This assembl may be entirely independent of the base anentirely independent of theenclos-A cabinet. n Fig. 1 I have shownelectrical connections providing a sequence of servicewireswitchs-fuse-meter switch load wire.

' As already stated it is possible by making other connections toprovide an electrical se-4 quence of service wire switch meter fuse-'switch-load wlre. In order that either electrical sequence may beconveniently obtained without the necessity for changing the positionsof the service and load wire connections the base 1 together with theparts carried thereby is constructed so as to be easily reversible asset forth and claimedin *ny aforesaid copending application Serial N o.218,279. The base may be reversed with respect to the switch parts orthe entire fused switch unit (except the movable switching members) maybe reversed withrespect to the service and load wire connections.

respectively with the supporting elements shown in Figs. 11 and 12 thepositions of the Wire terminals 25, 25a are changed, the said terminalsbeing placed at the bottom and connected with the switch contacts 7, 7ainstead of at the top and connected with the switch contacts 9, 9*. Withthe parts thus l. arranged' the service wires S are connected as beforewith the terminals 23, 42 and 23a. One coil of the meter is connectedbetween the terminals 25 and 24 and the other coil of the meter isconnected between the terminalsj25a-and '24 and a third connection tothe. meter is made from the terminal 43. TheVV load-wires are connected.as

vbefore withdthe. terminals 26, 43 and 26;-

It will-be observedthat with this construction I' provide an electricalsequence* of service wire'fswitch'meter-fuse switch load wire without'changing the positions of the arrangement differs" essentially fromthat shown A in the other figures in that the fuse isconnected'after'the meter instead of ahead of the-meter. With-the basereversed as shown .the several by-pass links B, C. D, E, G and H areconnected exactly` as already described when lthe meter is to tested.

it may be desirable to omit' the interlocked vided a simple hinged coverfor the opening 51 in the main cover. This alternate cover constructionyis not shown as it constitutes no part of the present invention and isfully disclosedin the said'copending application Serial No. 218,279.

The wire terminal 24 has been described as electrically connected withthe strap 19. The said terminal may, however, have an independentmechanical mounting. The strap 19 has been described as extending to oneed e of the base and when it extends to a side edge as shown thecorresponding insulating strut 61 may be utilized as the means formechanically supporting the corresponding terminal 24. As illustratedparticularly in Figs. 1 and 2v I provide a sh'ort transverse strap 77which carries the terminal 24 and which is secured to the strut 61 bymeans of a screw 78. This screw extends forward throu h the strut and isthreaded into the strap 7. The inner end of the strap 77 extends into arecess in the base 1 and is thus held from turningl about the axis ofthe -screw 7 8. In order to make electrical connection between the strap19 andthe strap 77 the said strap 19 is provided with an openingpositioned to receive the projecting end of the screw 78. The strap 19carries a. nut 79 which is rotatably secured thereto as shown in detailin Figs. 5 and 6. This nut is adapted 5 to be threaded onto theend ofthe screw 78 as shown in Fig. 2. This construction 'assists in holdingthe base in place, and it will be understood that the nuts 79 andA 79Siat the twosides must be freed from the corresponding screws 78 when thebase is to be removed. By reason of the `construction described I amable to e'ect the removal of thebase and of the parts carried therebywithout disturbing the terminals 24 and 211a or the wires connectedthereto.v

When the base is adapted to be reversed as already described the partsare so arranged that the projecting ends of the two straps 19 and 19aare centrally positioned vertically in order that the holes in the saidstraps will register with th'e screws 78 with the base 1 and the strapsin either of their relatively reversed positions. The central locationof the ends of the straps 19 and 198L further enables them to passbetween the connection elements 57 and.5 8 with the base in eitherof-its relatively reversed positions.

In Figs. 11 and 12 I have not only shown the fuse base and att-achedpart in reversed positions but I have also shown an alternate testcontact construction. As shown I have provided auxiliary contacts 80 81,80'l and 81',l connected respectively with the'switch contacts 7, 9, 7aand 9B. The instrument leads may be connected directly tothe saidcontacts 80, 81, 8O'3L and 81a instead of being clamped by the nuts 71,72, 71 and 72 as already described. The said nuts however are preferablyretained for holding the links G and H nate test contact construction Ihave shown an alternate by-pass link construction. In-

stead of detachable links such as B and C I have shown links 83 and 83'apermanently attached and forming switch blades.

In Fig. 1-1 the blades are shown in their normal open positions and inFig. 12 the blade 83 is shown in the closed position e which it.occupies during testing. As illustrated `the extension 58 constitutes, ahinge contact to which the link or blade 83 is connected by means of apivot element 84.

. The extension 57 constitutes a rupture contact adapted to be engagedand disengaged by the link or blade 83. The said link or blade 83 isprovided with an insulating handle 84 by means of which it may be moved.It will be understood -that normally the blade 83 is disengaged from thecontact 57 bututhat' it description.

when necessary. Additional contacts 82 and 82B may be provided inconnection with the can be engagedv when it is desired to directlyconnect the service and load wire connectible terminals as alreadydescribed.

In Figs. 13 to 15 lI have shown a fused switch appliance having twopoles and adapted for use with asingle phase three-wirecircuit. 'Thevarious parts are or may be similar to those already described exceptfor the omission of the central fuse and switch parts. If desired thetransverse dimensions of the supporting device 2, 2 of the operatingspindle 48 and of the cabinet 44 may beY reduced to f l avoid excessivespacing. With a single phase meter such as M the upper end wall 47 ofthe cabinet preferably has an opening therein of such size and shape asto substantially lit the terminal chamber portion of the meter, the saidterminal chamber portion projecting for a short distance into thecabinet and substantiallyclosing the said opening. Inasmuch as thedetails of the switch and fuse parts may be the same as alreadydescribed, the same reference characters 'are a plied to them thusavoiding the necessity or vany repetition of I have shown wiringconnections providing v l an electrical sequence of service wire--switch-fuse-meter-switch-load wire and it will be understood that withthese connections it is necessary or at least highly preferable toprovide an interlocked cover construction as shown in Figs. 1 to 3. Itwill be understood that the base 1 and the parts carried thereby may bereversed in position as l already fully described in connectionwithFigs. 1 to 12; or that, if preferred, the entire fused switch unitl(except the movable switching ,-members) may be reversed vwith respecttothe enclosing cabinet. This reversal, whether effected in one way orthe other, provides an electrical sequence of servicewire--switch-meter-fuseswitch-load wire without changingthe pov sitionsof the service wire and load wire connections. With the electricalsequence last above set forth the interlocked cover construction may beomitted if desired and an auxiliary cover can be provided which iscapable of being opened at any time as desired.

It will be understood that for testing Vthe meter the several links B,C, G and H may be used exactly vas already described in connection withFigs. 1 to 10.

- For certainm methods of meter testing it is desirable to connect thetwo coils of the meter in series and with the construction shown inFigs. 13 to 15 this may be easily accomplished. The screws carrying thetwo nuts` 2 and 72a'are so spaced as to be adapted to receive a link Jsomewhat similar tothe other links already described. It will bev seenthat the link J when in place as shown in Fig. 15 provides a directelectrical connection between the two coils ofthe meter. -I have Shownmeans serving to ensure the opening of the switch devices before puttingthe linky J in place and to ensure the removal of the link beforeclosing the switch devices. The said means as shown comprises aprojection J on the link which extendsthrough an opening 22, in onetofthe switch members 22. From an inspection of Fig. it will be apparentthat the extension J prevents the placement of the link J untiltheswitch members are in their upper or of positions and that when thelink is in place the extension J projects through the hole 22 Vandprevents movement of theswitch members to their on positions. I desired'all of the links may be-identicalin form with the link J but this is notessential.

While there are certain advantages in providing an independentmechanical' mounting for each of the terminals 24 and 24a as de vI haveshown an scribed in connection with Figs. 1'to 12, this independentmechanical mounting' may nevertheless be dispensed with and the saidterminals may bevmounted directly on the conducting straps which connectwith the respective fuse contacts. In Figs. 13 to 15 alternateconstruction im i which there is provided at each side a conductingstrap 19 similar to the strap 1 9 but extended far enough to 'the sideto permit the correspondin wire terminal 24 to be connected'direct yto'it.- An additionalscrew.

may be provided for more irmly holding the strap 19 in place. Rreferablythestrap 19 is connected with the corresponding strut 61 by means of ascrew 7 8- l It will be understood that in removing the base for thepurpose of providing access to the switch parts or for the purpose ofreversal the two screwsv 7 8 lmust be removed `as well as the screws 17and l 17. v It will further be understood that upon reversal' thepositions of the terminals 24, 24a

should be changedvwith respect to their supvporting straps in order thatthey may be in the positions most convenient for the connection of thewires.

What I claim is: l t

1. In an electric meter service appliance, the combination of two pairsof opposed stationarv switch contacts, supporting elements for therespective contacts forming therewith switch contact structures, amovable switching member comprising two conducting elements respectivelymovable between the lsaid contacts of the-corresponding pairs to makeand break electrical connections between them, service wire and loadwire conne'ctible terminals connected respectively with the stationaryswitch contacts at one side of the switching member, two other wireterminals electrically connected respectively with the remainingstationary switch contacts at the other side of the switchingI memberand adapted for the connection between them of a coil of an electricmeter, and two additional contact devices carried respectively by theservice and load -connectible contact structures and electricallyconnected therewith, the said devices being adapted for the holding of aby-pass member to electrically connect the 'service and load terminalsindependently of the switch contacts and independently of the metercoil.

2. In an electric meter service appliance, the

`combination of a pair of fuse contacts, two

pairs of opposed stationary switch contacts in normally fixed relationto the fuse contacts,

supporting'elements vfor the respective 'contacts forming therewithswitch contact str uc tures, a rectilinearly movable switchingmembercomprising two conducting elements retacts of thecorrespondingpairs-to make and break electrical connections betweenthem, service` wire ,and load ,wire connectible terminals connectedrespectively with the staspectively movable between the switchcontionary switch contactslat .one side of the W switching member, meanselectrically connecting one of the other switch contacts with oneofthe;fuse contacts, two other wire ter-v minals connectedrespectivelyfwiththe remaining'vswitch vcontact` and .the remainingu'secontact and adapted for the' connection between them of a'coil of anelectricmeter, and two additional contact devices'carried re. spectivelyby the service and load connectible contact.- structures andelectrically connected therewith, the; said`v devices being'adapted forIthe holding ofa by-pass member to .electril cally connect the serviceand load terminals` independently Vof the Aswitch,contactsandindependently meter l coil. 1

3. an electricmeter service appliance, the

combination of an insulating base, a pair ofA use contacts on the base,an insulating supporting dev1ce, twolsupporting elements connected tothe supporting device, at least one los i of the said elements beingnormally connected with the base'for holding it in fixed spaced relatlonw 1th the supportmg device, two other supporting elements connected tothe supporting device respectively adjacent the first I contacts,wireterminals 4connected* respec-v tively with the remainingfuse contactand with the remaining supporting element and adapted for the connectionbetween them of a coil of an electric meter, service, wire and load wire-connectible terminals'connected re spectively with the second said`supporting elements, and contact devices on the last said the L and`10o I of the :fuse-contacts andthe supporting elements for the holdingof a bypass link to provide a direct connection between the last saidterminals.

4. In an electric meter service-appliance,

`the combination of two pairs of opposed stationary switch contacts, amovable switching member comprising two conducting elements respectivelymovable between the said contacts of the corresponding pairs to make andbreak electrical connections between them, service wire and load wireconnectible terminals connected respectively with the stationary switchcontacts at one side of the switching member, two other wire. terminalselectrically connected respectively with the `remaining stationaryswitchcontacts at the other side of the switching member and adapted for theconnection between them of a coil of an electric meter, and twoclampments respectively movable between the I make and break electricalconnections beswitch contacts ofthe' corresponding pairs to tween them,service wire and load wire connectible terminals connected respectivelywith the switch contacts at one side of the switching member, meanselectrically connecting one of the other switch contacts with one of thefuse contacts.,` two other wire terminals connected respectively withthe remaining switch Contact and the remainingfuse contact and adaptedfor the connection between them of a coil of an electric meter,

. and two vclamping devices carried respectively by and electricallyconnected withl the said service and load connectible contact structuresfor the attachment of a detachable bypass link to electrically connectthe service and load terminals independently of the switch contacts andindependently of the fuse contacts and the meter coil.

` 6. In an electric meter service appliance,

the combination of two pairs of opposed stationary-switch contacts, amovable switching member comprising two conducting elements respectivelymovable between the switch contacts of the corresponding pairs to makeand break electrical connections between them,

service wire and load wire connectible terminals connected respectivelywith a switch contact ofone pair and with a 'switch contact of the otherpair, conducting means in-y terposed between the two remaining switchcontacts, and two pairs of contact devices electrically connectedrespectively with the said two pairs of switch contacts and adapted forthe holding of two separate by-pass membersto electrically connect thesaid wire terminals independently of the switch contacts but through theinterposed conducting means.

7. In an electric meter service appliance, the combination of a pair offuse contacts, two pairs of opposed stationary switch contacts innormally fixedl relation to the fuse contacts, a rectilinearly movable`switching member comprising two conducting elements respectivelymovable between the switch contacts of the corresponding pairs to makeand break electrical connections'between them, servlce wire and loadwlre connectible ter- -minals connected respectively with a switchcontact of one pair and with a switch contact of the other pair, meanselectrically connecting the other switch contacts of the said pairs withthe fuse contacts respectively,

and two pairs of contact devices located at opposite sides oftheswitchingmember and electricallyconnected respectively with theswitch contacts of the two pairs, the said contact devices being carriedby the switch contacts and'adapted for the holding of two separateby-pass links to electrically connect the said wire terminalsindependently of the switch contacts but through the'inter- -p osed fusecontacts.

8. In an electric meter service appliance, thecombination of a pair ofopposed stationary switch contacts, arectilinearly movable switchingmember comprising a conducting element movable between the switchl icontacts to make and break electrical connections between them,l aservice wire connectible termi-nal connected with one stationary switchcontact, .another wire terminal electrically connected with theremaining switch contact and adapted for connection with a coil of anelectric meter, and two contact devices electrically connectedrespectively with the said switch contacts and adapted for the holdingof a link tol electrically connect the, service wire terminal with themeter coil terminal when the connection through the said switch contactsis broken, the said contact devices being located so that the engagementof the link therewith is preventedby the switchingfmember in its circuitmaking positionv and so that the link when engaged prevents movement ofthe switching member to' its circuit making position.

the combination of two'pairs of opposed stationary switch contacts, arectilinearly movable switching member'comprising two conductingelements movable between the switch contacts of the-corresponding pairsto make and break electrical connections' between them, service wire andload wire connectible 9. In an electric meter service appliance,

terminals one connected respectively with a switch contact of one pairand with a switch contact of the other pair, two other wire terminalsconnected respectively with the remaining switch contacts and adaptedfor the connection between them of a coil of an electric meter, and twocontact devices electrically connected respectively with the switchcontacts of the service connected pair and adapted for the holding of alink to electrically connect the meter coil terminal with the servicewire terminal when the connection through both pairs of the said switchcontacts is broken, the said contact devices being located so that theengagement of the link therewith is prevented by the switching member inits circuit making position and so thaty the link when engaged preventsmovement of the switching member to its circuit making position. t

10. In an electric meter service appliance, the combination of two pairsof opposed stationary switch contacts, supporting elements for therespective contacts forming therewith switch contact structures, amovable switching member comprising two conducting elements respectivelymovable between the said contacts of the corresponding pairs to make andbreak electrical connections y between them, service wire and load wireconnectible terminals connected respectively with the stationary switchcontacts at one side of the switching member, two other wire terminalselectrically connected respectively with the remaining stationary switchvcontacts at the other side of the switching member and adapted for theconnection between them of a coil of an electric meter, two attachmentdevices respectively carried by and electrically connected with theservice and load connectible contactstructures and serving for theattachment of a by-pass link to provide a direct electrical connectionbetween the service and load terminals, and an insulating strut carriedby and mechanically connecting the said by-pass attachment devices.

11. In an electric meter service appliance, the combination of aninsulating base, a .pair of fuse contacts on the base, an insulatingsupporting device, two supporting elements both connected to thesupporting device and one mechanicallyconnected to the base andelectrically connected with one of the fuse contacts, two othersupporting elements connected to the supporting device respectivelyadjacent the first said elements, two pairs of opposed stationary switchcontacts carried by and electrically connected with the said supportingelements respectively, a rectilinearly movable switching membercomprislng two conducting elements adapted respectively to engage theswitch contacts of thetwo pairs to make and break electricalconnectionbetween them, two wire terminals connected respectively withthe remaining fuse contact and with the remaining one of the first`saidsupporting elements and adapted for the connection between them of acoil of an electric meter, service wire and load wire connectibleterminals connected respectively with two second said supportingelements, contact devices on the last said supporting elements for theholding of a by-pass link to provide a direct electrical connectionbetween the last said terminals, and an insulating strut between thelast said contact devices for holding them in fixed spaced relation.

12. In an electric meter service appliance, the combination of aninsulating base, a pair of fuse contacts on the base, an insulatingsupporting device comprising two horizontal insulating bars spaced fromeach other, two supporting elements both connected tothe respectivebars, and one mechanically connected to the base and electricallyconnectedv with one of the fuse contacts two other supporting elementsconnected to the respective bars adjacent the first said elements, twopairs of opposed stationary switch contacts carried by and electricallyconnected with the said supporting elements respectively, arectilinearly movable switching member comprising two conductingelements adapted respect-ivelyto engage the switch cont-acts of the twopairs to make and break electrical connection between them, two wireterminals connected respectively with the remaining fuse contact andwith the remaining one of l the first said supporting elements andadapted for the connection between them of a coil of an electric meter,serviceA wire and load wire connectible terminals connected respectivelywith the second said supporting elements, contact devices on the lastsaid supporting elements for the holding of a by-pass link'to provide adirect electrical connection between the last said terminals,independently of the switch contacts and an insulating strut connectionbetween the last said contact devices and serving independently of thebase for holding the two bars and the parts attached thereto in fixedrelationship to each other. l

13. In an electric meter service appliance, the combination of aninsulating base, a pair of fuse contacts on the base, an insulatingsupporting device, two supporting elements tween them, a conductingstrap on the base connected with the remaining fuse contact, two wireterminals connected respectively with the said strap and withtheiremaining one of the first said supporting elements and adapted forthe connection between them of a coil of an electric meter, service wireand load wire connectible terminals connected respectively with thesecondV said supporting elements, an insulating element carried by andconnecting the last said two supporting elements, and means forconnecting the said strap with the said insulating element to assist inholding the base in lixed spaced relation with the supportingdevice.

14. In an electric meter service appliance,

the combination of an insulating base, a. pair of fuse contacts on thebase, an insulating vsupporting device, two supporting elements bothconnected to the supporting device and one mechanically connected to thebase and electrically connected with one of the fuse contacts, two othersupporting elements connected to the supporting device respectively1adjacent the first said elements, two pairs of opposed stationary switchcontacts carried by and electrically connected with the said supportingelements respectively, a rectilinearly movable switching membercomprising two conducting elements adapted respectively to engage theswitch contacts of the two pairs'to make and break electrical connectionbetween them, a conducting strap on the base connected with theremainingv fuse contact, two wire terminals connected respectively withthe said strap and vwith the remaining one of the rst said .supportingelements and adapted for the connection between them of a coil of anelectric meter, service wire andload wire connectible terminalsconnectedJJ respectively with the second said supporting elements,contact devices on the last said supportingelements for the holding ofahy-pass link to provide a direct electrical connection between` thelast said terminals, an insulating element carried by and connecting thelast said two supporting elements, and means for connecting the saidstrap with the said insulating element to assist in holding the base infixed spaced relationwith the supporting device.

15. In an electric meter service appliance, the combination of asupporting device, an insulating base, a pair of fuse contacts on thebase, two pairs of opposed stationary switch contacts carried by thesupporting device independently of the base, a movable vswitching membercomprising two `conducting elements adapted res ectively to enga e theswitch contacts of t ie t'wo` pairs to ma e and break electricalconnection between them, means for detachably mounting the base on thesaid supporting device in normally fixed spaced relationthereto, thesaid means also serving to provide an electrical connection between onefuse contact and a stationary switch contact of one pair, two wireterminals one connectible with the remaining fuse contact and the otherconnected with .a stationary switch contact of the other pair, the saidterminals being adapted for the connection between them of a coil of anelectric meter, service wire and load wire connectible terminalsconnected. respectively with the remaining switch contacts of the saidpairs, `means independent of the base for supporting all ot the saidterminals, and means for detachably connecting the last` said fusecontact with its terminal to permit the removal of the baseindependently of the I means for detachably mounting the base in eitherof two relatively reversed positionsy with respect to the saidsupporting device and in normally fixed spaced relation thereto, thesaid means also serving in each position of the base to provide at eachside an electrical connection between one fuse contact and a stationaryswitch contactof one pair, two Wire terminals at each side oneconnectible with the remaining fuse contact and the other connected witha switch contact ot' the other pair, the said terminals being adaptedfor the connection between them of a coil of an electric meter, servicelwire and load Wire connectible terminals at each side connectedrespectively with the remaining switch contacts of the said pairs, meansindependent of the base for supporting all of the said terminals,andmeans for detachably connecting the last said fuse contacts withtheir respective terminals to permit the reversal of the baseindependently` of thel said terminals.

17. 'In an electric meter service appliance, the combination of aninsulating base, a pair of fuse contacts on the base, 'an insulatingsupporting device; two 'supporting elements connected to the supportingdevice, means 1 devices on the second said supportlng elewith the saidsupporting elements .respectively, a rectilinearly movable switchingmember comprising two conducting elements adapted respectively to engagethe switch contacts of the two pairs to make and break electricalconnection between them, service wire and load wire connectibleterminals connected respectively with the second said supportingelements, two other wirel terminals one connected with the remaining oneof the first said supporting elements and the other connectible with theremaining fuse contact, the said terminals being adapted for theconnection between them of a coil of an electric meter, contact mentsfor the holding of a by-pass link to provide a direct electricalconnection between service wire and load wire terminals, an insulatingstrut between the said contact devices, means for mounting said fusecontact connectible terminal on the said strut between the ends thereofand independently of the base, and means for detachably connecting thelast said fuse contact with its terminal on the said strut.

18. In an electric meter service appliance, the combination of two pairsof opposed stationary switch contacts, a rectilinearly movable switchingmember comprising two conducting elements movable between the switchcontacts of the corresponding pairs to make and break electricalconnections between them, service wire and load wire connectibleterminals one connected respectively with a switch contact of one pairand with aswit-ch contact of theother pair,

two other wire terminals connected respectively with the remainingswitch contacts and adapted for the connection between them of a coil ofan electric meter, and two contact devices electrically connectedrespectively with the switch contacts of the service connected pair andadapted orthe holding,

of a link to electrically connect the meter coil terminal with theservicewire terminal when the connection through both pairs of the saidswitch contacts is broken.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 16th day ofSeptember, 1927. JOSEPH SACHS.

